Future Developments of Residential Differentiation in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area: Are We Following the European Model?

Authors

• Vaattovaara Mari

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23979/fypr.44972

Keywords:

residential differentiation, Helsinki, Finland

Abstract

One of the main findings in the study on social inequality and spatial segregation
in seven European cities is that, in spite of the scale of social differences in the
different cities, a similar pattern of urban spatial development is evident. The
physical pattern of area differentiation shows a strong spatial pattern of continuity
in the location of advantaged and less advantaged neighbourhoods. In addition, a
clustering of both advantaged and deprived neighbourhoods was observed. The
same pattern of change appears both in London and Helsinki - cities that stand at
opposite ends of the spectrum of social and spatial difference (BETWIXT i; McIntosh
and Vaattovaara 2001).
The spatial clustering of advantaged and more deprived neighbourhoods appears
both in Helsinki and London, but the grounds for change are different. Are we still
facing a similar future? The aim in this paper is to compare patterns of residential
differentiation in Helsinki and London. Thus, the differences and connections
between social and spatial differentiation and segregation are elaborated. GIS and
census data will be utilized to examine social and spatial developments. A twophase
model for the background of the developments in the Helsinki area is
introduced, resulting in a formulation for a model for future developments in
residential differentiation in the Helsinki metropolitan area.